Adjustable Air-Deflecting Panel for Vehicle Trailer Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed side extenders for vehicles towing trailers are rigid and cannot be adjusted for different trailer gap sizes or driving conditions, leading to inefficiencies in aerodynamic drag reduction and potential damage during reverse towing.
Innovation Solution
Adjustable air-deflecting panels with pivoting mounts that allow for independent angle adjustments to fit various trailer dimensions, featuring inter-engaging surfaces and detents for secure locking, enabling the panels to warp and conform to trailer shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed side extenders are used, then aerodynamic drag is reduced for specific trailer gap sizes, but the system cannot be adjusted for different trailers and driving conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The side extender system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable system. Each mount includes a pivot axis allowing the panel to be rotated to different angles, enabling adaptation to various trailer gap sizes and driving conditions while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the geometric parameters (angle and position) of the air-deflecting panel through adjustable mounts. The panel can be positioned at different angles relative to the vehicle body to optimize aerodynamic performance for different trailer configurations
2Loss of energy
If fixed side extenders are used, then aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the panels may be damaged when the truck is being towed in a backward direction
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable mount system allows the panel to be dynamically repositioned or folded during reverse towing operations, preventing damage while maintaining aerodynamic functionality during normal forward operation. The panel can be adjusted to a protective position when not in use
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mounts with pivot axes are used, then the panel can be customized to match different trailer shapes, but the mounting system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into multiple independent adjustable mounts, each with its own pivot axis. This allows the panel to be customized to match different trailer shapes by independently adjusting each mount, while keeping each individual mounting unit relatively simple in structure
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable air-deflecting panel for mounting to a vehicle comprises at least one panel; a plurality of mounts for mounting the panel to the vehicle, each mount comprising a vehicle mount portion for mounting to the vehicle and a panel mount portion for mounting the panel to the vehicle mount portion, the mount portions being pivotally coupled to one another to thereby pivotally couple the panel to the vehicle, the vehicle mount portion comprising a first engagement member and the panel mount portion comprising a second engagement member, the engagement members being operable to engage one another upon clamping the engagement members together to thereby prevent pivoting of the panel about the pivot axis and relative to the vehicle.